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Himachal Police POSH Audit: ICC Compliance under scanner after Daroh trainee complaint
Shimla, March 2,
A move that directly impacts thousands of women personnel across the force, the Himachal Pradesh Police has ordered a statewide audit of workplace harassment safeguards, directing all units to complete compliance checks under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 within 15 days. The directive comes at a time when a recent complaint of alleged harassment by a woman trainee constable at the Police Training College (PTC) in Daroh has brought internal workplace safety mechanisms into sharp focus.
The Director General of Police has mandated a comprehensive review of the implementation of the POSH Act across all police establishments, including police stations, battalions and training institutions. The audit will examine whether Internal Complaints Committees have been properly constituted, whether they are functioning effectively, and whether due process is being followed in handling complaints, along with scrutiny of record maintenance, adherence to inquiry timelines and awareness measures within units.
The statewide exercise gains significance in light of the Daroh incident, where a woman trainee constable alleged that an instructor had sent her objectionable messages on her mobile phone. Following the complaint, the instructor was placed under suspension and the matter was referred to the Internal Complaints Committee for inquiry. Police officials have indicated that strict action will follow based on the findings of the probe, reinforcing the need for robust and responsive institutional mechanisms.
Senior officers, including Superintendents of Police and Circle Officers, have been directed to personally supervise the audit process and submit detailed compliance reports to Police Headquarters within the stipulated timeframe. Police Headquarters has made it clear that any lapse in the constitution or functioning of Internal Complaints Committees will be rectified immediately, and cases of non-compliance, concealment or negligence will invite strict departmental action.
Himachal Police POSH audit
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The Director General of Police has reiterated that zero tolerance towards workplace harassment remains a non-negotiable principle, underlining the need to strengthen institutional safeguards and promote a professional, gender-sensitive work environment across the force. The audit is being seen as a broader institutional push to reinforce accountability and ensure that all workplaces within the police setup reflect lawful conduct, dignity and organisational integrity.
Himachal Police POSH audit
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
